Halozyme enters agreement to improve Roche drug delivery

Enhanze Technology is Halozyme's proprietary drug delivery technology based on its recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20). rHuPH20 is an analogue of a human enzyme that temporarily clears space in the matrix of tissues such as skin. This clearing activity should allow rHuPH20 to improve drug delivery by enhancing the entry of therapeutic molecules through the subcutaneous space.

“We believe that our technology can enhance the clinical benefits that biologics have already been shown to provide,” said Jonathan Lim, Halozyme's president and CEO.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay Halozyme $20 million as an initial upfront payment for the application of rHuPH20 to three pre-defined Roche biologic targets. Over the next ten years, Roche will also have the option to exclusively develop and commercialize rHuPH20 with an additional ten targets. Roche may pay Halozyme further milestones which could potentially reach a value of up to $111 million as well as royalties on potential product sales for the first three targets.

“The potential to improve the administration and bioavailability of subcutaneous medicines presents an important advance to make a difference to patients' lives,” said Peter Hug, Roche's global head of Pharma Partnering.